The 10 Best Cuisines in the World

Deciding on the best cuisines in the world isn’t an easy feat. Cooking is a universal art, with each country having its own cooking methods, specific ingredients, and traditions. However, some iconic dishes like Italian pizza, Spanish Jamón ibérico, and Mexican tacos have transcended borders to gain worldwide acclaim. 

Recognizing this culinary diversity, we’ve compiled a ranking of the world’s top cuisines, drawing from an extensive database of tens of thousands of ratings on dishes and food products. This top 10 will guide you to the countries you must visit for a culinary journey around the world.

1. Italy

As you might imagine, Italy is the country that offers the best cuisine. With its rich variety of dishes and flavors, from pizza and pasta to risottos, ravioli, and meatballs, it’s sure to delight taste buds and satisfy even the heartiest appetites.

Best rated foods: Pasta, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, Parmigiano Reggiano, Tagliatelle, Risotto, Ravioli, Gnocchi, and Tiramisù. 

2. India

Aromatic yet wonderfully spicy, Indian dishes (including curry) are a burst of flavors, even though they might require some time for your stomach to get used to them.

Best rated foods: Garam Masala, Holy Basil, Basmati, Ghee, Curry Leaves, Naan, Biryani, Tandoori, and Chapati. 

3. Thailand

Thai cuisine is extremely refined. It is a delicate fusion of sweet and sour, and salty and sweet flavors, all delicately elevated with the assistance of spices and aromatic herbs.

Best rated foods: Miang Kham, Kaeng Pa, Sriracha, Prik kee noo, Phanaeng Curry, Khao Soi, and Phat Kaphrao.

4. France

With its bread, cheese, wine, and charcuterie, France offers a true culinary adventure for gastronomy enthusiasts.

Best rated foods: Reblochon, Croissant, Saint-André cheese, Quiche, Miel de Provence, Moules de Bouchot de la Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel, macarons, Bisque, Foie gras, Châteaubriand, Ratatouille, and Comté. 

5. Mexico 

With its spicy yet diverse flavors, Mexico offers a true olfactory journey through a surprising Amerindian culinary culture (iguanas and reptiles on the menu).

Best rated foods: Chinantla Vanilla, Tortilla, Oaxaca Cheese, Cajeta, Tacos, Nachos, Queso fresco, Guacamole, Mole, Burrito, Fajitas, Guajillo chile, Tamales, and Quesadilla. 

6. Lebanon 

Mainly Mediterranean, with an abundance of vegetables, Lebanese cuisine generously combines products from the sea and the land. Certainly worth exploring while enjoying a mezze spread.

Best rated foods: Za’atar, Bahārāt, Toum, Hummus, Ma’amoul, Shawarma, Mutabal, Falafel, Fattoush, Kibbeh, Tabbouleh, Baba Ghanoush, Fatteh, and Manakish.  

7. Japan

Japanese sushi has become famous worldwide, but Japanese cuisine is also known for the delicate preparation of meats, fish, and vegetables.

Best rated foods: Sushi, Sashimi, Bluefin Tuna, Wagyu, Yakitori, Ramen Noodles, Kobe beef, Unagi, Mochi, Gyoza, and Shabu-Shabu.

8. Spain

In Spain, you’ll find plenty of chorizo and paella, along with tapas enjoyed alongside a sangria – all perfect for savoring Mediterranean delights in good company.

Best rated foods: Jamón Ibérico, Arbequina, Jamón Serrano, Paella, Churros, Chorizo, Bocadillos, Migas, Salmorejo, Crema Catalana, Gazpacho, and Cochinillo. 

9. Greece 

Feta cheese, gyros, tzatziki. These ingredients sum up the heart of Greek cuisine, one of the world’s best cuisines. Simple and tasty, the food is, above all, very fresh and made with high-quality ingredients.

Best rated foods: Fava Santorinis, Kalamata, Fystiki Aeginas, Rodakina Naoussas, Finiki Lakonias

10. Brazil 

Brazilian cuisine was shaped by Portuguese colonization, African slaves, indigenous peoples, and various influences from Europe, South America, and Asia. It has produced internationally renowned dishes like feijoada, churrasco, and the vibrant açaí fruit.

Best rated foods: Canastra, Açaí Berries, Churrasco, Cassava, Jabuticaba, Aratù, Picanha, Moqueca, Farofa, and Coxinha.